The local blood supply isn’t at simply a critical level ... it’s at a nonexistent level.

United Blood Services issued a state of emergency Thursday because of the lack of readily available blood in hospitals.

“There is no blood on the shelves,” said Dwight Sledge with United Blood Services. “When United Blood Services has no blood, our hospitals and patients have no blood.”

United Blood Services furnishes blood and blood products to 66 hospitals in Mississippi and West Alabama.

“Patients in Mississippi hospitals need blood now!” Sledge said Thursday. “Residents, please heed this call to action and find your closest United Blood Services Center or mobile blood drive and donate today.”

United Blood Service officials asked anyone who is able to donate to please do so immediately.

“Our hospitals are in great need for blood and blood products,” said Heather Knight, United Blood Services spokesperson. “We are doing everything we can to supply our hospitals but the simple truth is we don’t have enough blood donors to meet the demand of our patients.”

Sledge added that blood donated through his organization stays in this region.

“Let me stress that only blood donated with United Blood Services is used locally,” he said. “When you donate with Untied Blood Services that blood stays in your community to help your family, friends and neighbors receiving treatment.”

There is no longer an office at which to donate in Laurel, but there are blood drives planned locally.

United Blood Services has scheduled a community blood drive that will take place from noon until 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Cameron Center in Laurel. To make an appointment, visit www.unitedbloodservices.org or call (800) 880-0743.

Also, the Pleasant Ridge Volunteer Fire Department will have their annual blood drive in honor of Renee’ Clark from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. For more information, please contact Rosie Russell at 601-763-6160.

There is also a regional office located at 805 S. 28th Ave. in Hattiesburg.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Donors receive a free cholesterol test.